Gov't negotiations with teachers' unions suspended until Monday

Leaders of main education unions hold a press conference to announce a strike action if wage talks with the Kirchnerite government fail.

CTERA secretary-general Stella Maldonado has informed that talks would remain in recess until the following Monday, after an afternoon of negotiations with government representatives failed to yield an accord for wage rises.

The union leader asserted that there was "no improved offer" on the 22 percent raise previously tabled by the government, leaving open the prospect of a 48-hour strike planned to interrupt the start of classes on March 5 and 6.

"A recess has been called until Monday and the technical committees will meet in order to build a proposal that is an improvement, as at the present time there has not been one," Maldonado fired as she left the meeting.

"If on Monday there is a proposal we can accept, we will. If not our measures of force will continues," she added.

Differences persist between the offer made by the government and the salary increases sought by educators. A clause regarding 'presenteeism' bonuses in lieu of a general raise remains a particular source of conflict in talks.

Earlier, Cabinet Chief Jorge Capitanich said government’s “efforts” in education are “colossal” and considered unions’ threats could jeopardize the collective bargaining process.

In his daily brief to the press, the head of ministers announced the Cristina Fernández de Kirchner will take a “final proposal” to the negotiation table this afternoon when national authorities and unionized teachers meet in a new round of salary talks.

“The total investment allocated to the educational system accounts for 9 percent of the GDP,” Capitanich affirmed calling to recognize the government’s “efforts” in the education area which he defined as “colossal”.